Saturday, January 24, 2009

Good Morning and Welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group!

Good Morning Everyone and welcome to the Saturday Morning Chat Group! We are looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year tonight.
I'm not aware of any new referrals over the past week, so if you know of someone, please let me know.

THE CHAT ROOM IS NOW CLOSED...HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

243 comments:

1 – 200 of 243   Newer›   Newest»
Alyson and Ford said...

Good Morning!
fm

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Ford, how are you?

Truly Blessed said...

Hey, good morning!

What a pretty picture under your header.

redmaryjanes said...

I just was over at your blog and saw that fabulous looking dinner you all made.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Kelly, how are you all doing? Eli is getting very excited to see 'his girls' tonight!

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Ford (and Alyson & Alyzabeth)!

Alyson and Ford said...

It turned out to be a good one. Was a little hesitant but the flavors worked well together. I knew it was a hit when the kids liked it :)

Alyson and Ford said...

Good morning TB!

Truly Blessed said...

Oh, we know all about excited. Katie is beside herself with anticipation.

She announced last night at bedtime "it's going to be fabulous!"

Truly Blessed said...

Hey Ford, 3/7 of my family are in your state right now. Sure hope you're having some pleasant weather for them (of course, when it's in the high teens at home, 40* is pleasant - so the bar is pretty low!)

redmaryjanes said...

So Ford, how is Alyzabeth doing? How old is she exactly and how is her adjustment going? I am pretty sure that we will matched with a 2-3 year old and want to know what to expect.
We have told our agency we are open to a little girl under 4.

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, we are freezing (literally)

Alyson and Ford said...

The weather is IMPROVING! Temps should be in the 70's today. YES!

Truly Blessed said...

Referrals were such a disappointment this month. Two lousy days. How incredibly frustrating!

And now it's going to be eerily quiet for the next two weeks due to Spring Festival in China. Probably no families traveling, either. Man, that's hard (speaking as one who was delayed due to the Fall Trade Fair).

Truly Blessed said...

Temps in the 70s? That sounds lovely!

redmaryjanes said...

This was a tough month, it started out with rumors of 23 days and came down to 2. I felt so sorry for Pugmama and Starfish and Ava's Family. How sad for them.

Alyson and Ford said...

We had Alyzabeth tested with the staff at Early Steps. She passed with flying colors.
Her expressive speech is still single words. Her speech receptive skill level is HUGE! She knows exactly what we say or ask. When she doesn't do what we ask - it's because she is 28 months old and doesn't want too :)

Alyson and Ford said...

The roller coaster ride for those in The Wait is horrible. We always feel so bad for everyone. Having experienced it doesn't make you feel any less sorry that they are on this ride.

Truly Blessed said...

Alyzabeth's speech sounds just like Ella's.

Receptive language is fantastic, expressive language, not so much. We're not terribly concerned yet (she's just 26 months old), but are keeping a close eye on it. The benchmark for 2 year olds is 20 words that Mom and Dad can understand and 10 that non-family members can understand (talk about setting the bar "low"!). She surpasses those numbers, so we think she's going to be okay, but (and I know you're not supposed to compare your kids), she's WAY BEHIND Katie at this age.

Alyson and Ford said...

If anything - we hurt more for The Waiting families...

redmaryjanes said...

That is wonderful Ford. I had not heard of Early Steps. I tell you, it is amazing how the children just seem to be matched with their perfect families.

Truly Blessed said...

Regarding those early rumors though, who really believed them? I mean, the CC** has been motoring along at 3-5 day batches for a year or more and then is supposed to match 23 days' worth of LIDs? I didn't believe that for one second.

redmaryjanes said...

The last month has been tough for us. But our agency is working to find a match. We are going SN. I am thinking over the next month or so we will find our daughter...hoping and praying for that anyway.

Alyson and Ford said...

We have made the decision to put Alyzabeth in a local kids group twice a week (four hours a day) to get her around kids and hopefully become more expressive. Of course, Aly says it's to give me a break but it may be more to give Alyzabeth a break :)
This was a tough one. I can't say I was totally on board but I'm sure she will enjoy being around more than just dad.

Truly Blessed said...

So Ford, does your family have any big plans to celebrate CNY this weekend?

We are celebrating with Kimberley and her family and another family with dinner at our fav restaurant and then the CNY Gala put on by the local Chinese Association.

How about you?

Alyson and Ford said...

We can hardly wait for your referral! You are definitely in our prayers!

Truly Blessed said...

Aw, Ford, you don't want your little girl away from you. How sweet!

It will be good for Alyzabeth, and you'll notice huge improvements in her speech, I'm sure.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley, Sophia is coming SOON. I just feel it.

And there will be rejoicing in Bloggerville when we can all see her sweet face!

redmaryjanes said...

Thank you Ford. We are so hopeful.

redmaryjanes said...

Eli is going to start preschool at the beginning of February. He needs to be able to recognize his letters better and start getting ready for kindergarten. He won't be going next fall though, he misses the cut-off by 5 days.

Alyson and Ford said...

We will be attending the First Coast Families CNY held each year at Ponte Vedra Beach. Just a short ride away. This will be our 4th year attending but our FIRST year attending with our little one. Our two grown children along with our two granddaughters and a cousin will be going with us.

Unknown said...

Good morning friends

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Amy!
Ok, are we on for the 21st?

Truly Blessed said...

So the First Coast CNY event - what's that all about?

We also experienced the thrill of attending our CNY gala for the first time with our Katie a couple years ago. It was so much fun.

But no matter what they do, it's always fun to get together with the whole family, you'll have a wonderful time!

Good morning Amy!

redmaryjanes said...

Oh Ford, that is wonderful that so many family members are going with you all.

Alyson and Ford said...

Good Morning Amy!

The First Coast Families with Chinese Children is a fairly active group around her. We joined once we started the process to adopt Alyzabeth. They have regular meetings, dinners, play groups, etc.
It's a good group and they put on a very nice CNY event. There will be anywhere from 2 to 3 hundred little kids at the celebration. Fun to see them all dressed up :)
The kids also perform dances and such.

Unknown said...

In case my post didnt go through, that sounds awesome!!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Alright girl, I'll start getting things ready. I need a wish list from you as far as books or specific things you want. I know you are registered, but if you can give me a list, it helps the ladies.

Truly Blessed said...

"Several hundred" huh? That's a huge group!

You're going to have a great time.

We had a playgroup yesterday and asked all of the girls to wear their traditional silk clothing -- the girls looked fabulous!

I have some pictures on my blog if you'd like to see the beauties...

And now, tonight I have something else planned for the girls -- I think I'm going to have them wear their "Kimberley" dresses and pose them with the inspiration behind the dress, Miss Kimberley herself!

Truly Blessed said...

Amy,

Is your agency giving you any clue as to when you might travel yet?

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
That would be very emotional for me. I would love that. Won't they be cold though?

Unknown said...

the actual LOA email said expect travel in 5-8 weeks!!!

Truly Blessed said...

I'll put a turtle neck or other long sleeved shirt under them (with tights).

Were you aware those were the dresses they wore to visit the US Consulate in Guangzhou?

Yep, we took our oath with the girls wearing their Kimberley dresses!

Unknown said...

Got some new pics, MIchael posted them this morning..they are new older pics

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
The girls look darling, you have a great playgroup!
I love all of your CNY information. I will have to read it if the boys get home in time.
Zach has an 11am game in Kalkaska and then is rushing home to go with us tonight. Is Joe's girlfriend able to come?

Truly Blessed said...

Amy, that's fantastic! I guess I didn't know you already got your LOA. Things will move fast now!

Remind me of what province LynnMarie is in? And the capital city?

redmaryjanes said...

Hold on Amy, I'm going over to look at the new pics. How do you guys get so many pictures?

redmaryjanes said...

Where is she at Amy? It definitely doesn't look like she is in a traditional orphanage.

Truly Blessed said...

Kalkaska? Will he be able to make it in time? I sure hope so.

Yes, Nicki will be there. She says she's really looking forward to it (and since she doesn't really every SAY much, I'll take it!). I picked up her ticket yesterday.

Okay, I hear some activity from the girls' bedroom - need to scoot, but I'll be back, girls permitting!

redmaryjanes said...

Ok Kelly

redmaryjanes said...

I have never heard of Swallows Nest. Do they have a blog or website? It sure looks like they are doing an amazing job with her. And she is so young to be referred. I tell you, it's just wonderful.

Unknown said...

SHe is in the Henan Province in a childrens home that is run by an American couple

Alyson and Ford said...

TB,
This is Alyson. Ford wandered off....
Just jumped over and caught up on your GREAT CNY activities! Wow!
We "just" attend our FCC party (as Ford already told you). Your post on what to do for CHY is great too... will have to copy some next year as this year I am not very organized!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Unknown said...

It is soooo wonderful. Its really been amazing adventure and watching God open some doors and watch them open has been wonderful LynnMarie has been a part of so many stories and I have gotten emails from so many people who have been touched by her

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Alyson! I wondered if we lost Ford with all of our 'girly' talk. How are you doing? I love Alyzabeth's clothes, you have great taste in kids things.

redmaryjanes said...

Really? What is her story Amy?

Alyson and Ford said...

Saying Goodbye. AA and I have to get baths taken and go to our favorite Children's Home for some volunteer work (fumch.org) locally in Jacksonville.
Have a fun weekend!

Alyson

Alyson and Ford said...

Kim, most of the clothes we have were given to us, have bought a few outfits for her to wear right now since it is **cold** here in NE Florida!!
Ford doesn't mind girly talk... that's all he gets around here!
Bye!!

redmaryjanes said...

Have a wonderful day! Happy Chinese New Year!

LaLa said...

Hey everyone!! Just trying to catch up : )

Weather here was in the 60's yesterday and now in the 30's today. Of course Annslee still insists on wearing her sleevless dress to the CNY party tonight LOL

Unknown said...

RMJ, I will share it with you via email. For some reason, I want to be careful what I post on blogs but I am totally freaking out

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Laura, I was just looking at the swing pictures at your blog.

redmaryjanes said...

I understand Amy. I think it's good to keep some things private. Eli is watching wall-e, it is so darling.

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Good morning ladies. Just popped in for a second this morning to say hi! I am busy working on reports for work and then I am hitting the books to study for the rest of the day. I may be back later…if not have a wonderful weekend!!!

Smiles! :o)
Nikki

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Nikki, how are you doing? You have a test coming up?

Truly Blessed said...

I'm back all, the girls say "hello" to all.

They are so excited about everything China these days. We've got the house decorated for CNY and the girls are loving it.

redmaryjanes said...

We made the paper lanterns from Nick Jr., but that's all we did. I have moon festival lanterns but didn't think they would be appropriate for CNY.

Truly Blessed said...

All of that information I posted yesterday about Spring Festival is lifted directly from AskJaneinChina yahoo group. She lives there and has for some time.

I got into a bit of hot water from my big sister for suggesting people put up "Kitchen Gods" in their houses, but that wasn't MY suggestion, it was Dr. Liedkes and it's what the Chinese do to celebrate their most important holiday. So, if you're offended by anything I posted, please understand it's not my idea nor is it something we will do in our family, but it is what the Chinese do, as reported by someone who lives and works in China.

Unknown said...

oh but please know that once we get home, we will be sharing a lot more...

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

We have been very busy recently gathering papers and information in preparation of switching social workers and switching to sn. I am ready to get back to just waiting...

I am taking a series of payroll courses over the next few months so I have been studying like mad! You would think I would know it since that is what I do all day long, lol! I guess there is always more to learn.

redmaryjanes said...

I heard that I am supposed to leave some food and booze for the 'kitchen spirits' to make them happy so they will give good reports about my house.

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley,

The lanterns are perfect for right now. The lantern festival is actually the last part of the Spring Festival (according to AJiC). Hang them up!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Nikki,
Why do you have to switch social workers? Are you moving a new agency? We are SN too.

Truly Blessed said...

Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. I now have to attend to a cranky 2 year old.

See you (maybe) later!

redmaryjanes said...

So Amy, do you think LynnMarie will wear a 6,9 or 12 month? She's in excellent care, and looks very healthy.

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

This will be our third social worker!! Our first one moved away and our second one could only do the update for our domestic adoption...so here we go with #3. What is it they say, "third times a charm"...boy I hope so!

redmaryjanes said...

Oh man, that would be discouraging. We still have the same SW after 3 years, but I am frustrated with her. She has no sense of urgency for us, she doesn't update our info when we ask, she is not really responsive.

Unknown said...

I am guessing 9-12 months. We have only bought 12 and 18 months. She was 16 pounds in November

redmaryjanes said...

Well, I'll start looking for 18 months then. I want to make sure it fits. How exciting!

LaLa said...

Oh, use any lanterns you have Kim : ) I definitely haven't done the main CNY tradition which is to clean your house top to bottom~ sweeping out the old year...

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

I really liked our first sw a lot but our second one was a little odd. I am hoping I will have the same connection with the 3rd one that I did with the first. I think it is very important to be able to talk to them and feel comfortable. Have you reviewed any files lately? Friends of mine just reviewed one and they were forced to turn it down. They are devastated…to say the least. She said it almost makes her feel like a death.

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, my house is a mess too! Maybe I'll put the moon festival lights out front.

Unknown said...

RMJ, this is crazy..

Anyway, how is evveryone??? Any fun plans this weekend??

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, we have gone through that too. It is awful. We were given a file 2 weeks ago, but the girl was 5 and I really want our daughter to be younger than Eli. So after much heartache and going back and forth, we turned down the file. It was awful. Then our SW said there was another file for us to review, but she did not respond fast enough and it was assigned to another family.

redmaryjanes said...

It is very painful to turn down a file. I hope to never go through it again.

redmaryjanes said...

What is crazy Amy?

Truly Blessed said...

Ladies, remember, that when you return a file to the agency (for whatever reason), you're NOT saying "NO" to the child....you're allowing another family to say "YES!" to that child!

I recently got in touch with the family whom adopted the little girl we agonized over -- of all of the files we looked at, THIS little girl is the one whose file we had the most trouble returning, yet we knew she wasn't OUR child. And now, when I've seen her with her new family, it is awesome to know that us returning her file allowed HER family to request it and now she's home.

Maybe someday you'll be able to see these little girls in their forever families and it will put your minds at ease.

Truly Blessed said...

So, Kimberley, what are your plans until 5:00? Anything fun?

Unknown said...

all of this..all of this waiting, and hoping and dreaming all becoming a reality and all of you blog friends have been such a big help

redmaryjanes said...

Kelly,
This is hilarious! Eli is watching Wall-e and EVA just kissed Wall-e. And I told him EVA is Wall-e's special girl. And I asked Eli if he had any special girls and he said no. So I said what about Katie and Ella? And he said yes...they are my special girls, but I don't kiss them.

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

I tried to understand how it would feel but I can’t even imagine the heartache, so I just offered kind words and a listening ear. But like I told her you just have to trust in your heart that your special little one is out there on the way to your open arms very soon.

Truly Blessed said...

HA HA HA!

Too funny. Maybe THEY'LL kiss HIM tonight!

redmaryjanes said...

I feel so blessed Amy. It is truly an honor to me to be a part of these journeys. It has been bitter sweet sometimes when I wonder where our child is. But I know that she will come and the last thing I want to do is shut down and not share in the joy of my friends. I am sad Sophia is not here, but I am dedicated to celebrating every baby I can until she is.
You all have been critical to my surviving all of this emotionally.

LaLa said...

Oh Kim, I imagine that was so hard. I just know you will know when it is the perfect match : )

redmaryjanes said...

I think that is the perfect thing to say Nikki.
There is a lot of guilt when you turn down a file and second guessing. It is so hard.

Unknown said...

I hear you all of you have made this wait soo wonderful

Truly Blessed said...

Hey Kimberley,

Check your email in a few minutes, I'm sending you something.

redmaryjanes said...

OK, NO DOWNERS! :)

Truly today I was hoping to firm up Amy's baby shower date which will be Feb. 21st. So mark your calendars ladies.

Truly Blessed said...

I just thought of something I wanted to mention:

Eliana (daughter of April & Patrick) had her cleft palatte surgery yesterday. She's in a hospital in Seattle and will be for the weekend.

Please keep Eliana and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Rhonda said...

Morning...

redmaryjanes said...

Oh, I'll have to go and check April's blog. I hope everything went well.

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Rhonda, how are you doing? When is your LID? Are you close to getting a referral?

Rhonda said...

September 13th...so I should be getting a referral somewhere around 2056. ;)

Truly Blessed said...

Good morning Rhonda!

How's the weather up there? It's awfully cold here, but at least the sun is shining!

Truly Blessed said...

Oh Rhonda, that's sadly funny.

redmaryjanes said...

I would laugh if didn't seem like it could be true.
Man, this is crazy. I know this 2 day batch was tough on a lot of your friends.

Rhonda said...

You have to have a sense of humour about it...even though it's dark humour.

It's FREEZING here. Yesterday it was about 3 celsius...today it's a high of -22 celsius. ARGH!

Rhonda said...

I'm just curious where this batch puts us according to chinaadoptionforecast.com

They haven't updated the site yet, but with the last batch it put us at October 31 2011. Woo.

Unknown said...

ok friends I think I need to go to sleep. yall have a good week

Truly Blessed said...

Um...you could STOP sending us your frigid air...we've had enough!

You're right about keeping a sense of humor -- you're doing a good job with that!

redmaryjanes said...

Wow, I think we may hit 30 here today which is a big warm-up for us. We were around 6 last week.

redmaryjanes said...

Sleep well Amy. I know what you are dreaming about!

Truly Blessed said...

Good "night" Amy. Pleasant dreams of your sweet girl!

LaLa said...

These tiny batches are crazy!! It is so frustrating for everyone. Kim, thanks for your comments..they are sweet together. I was hesitant to post b/c I know so many want those kinds of pics for themselves : (

Truly Blessed said...

30*? Well break out the shorts and tees!

Unknown said...

thank friends..night nigght

Rhonda said...

The last rumour of the batch hit me hard, even though I knew...I KNEW it wouldn't come to fruition. At least I've taken RQ off my bloglines and it feels...freeing. :)

redmaryjanes said...

Well, all I can do is speak for myself. I love seeing your children. Please do not try to hold back your happiness because you think it will bring me down. I know that some close to me have been doing that and I appreciate their love and concern.
BUT please let me be happy with you. I would be such a loser friend if I could not share in your happiness. So please bring on your baby photos and stories.
When my girl comes along, you had better believe I'll be sharing with everyone who will listen :)

Truly Blessed said...

Well, I should probably be moving along. The girls and I have some errands to run today before we have to get all gussied up for our big date tonight (gotta get those girls looking cute for Eli!).

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Kimberley, we'll see you at YC at 5:00!

Kristy said...

Good morning all of you sweet people!!!

Kristy

LaLa said...

OH, I wish I lived closer so I could do CNY with all of you...but I don't really envy your weather...except poor Annslee wants to do snow angels so badly!!
Kim, you know I bugged Stef until she sent me a pic....so CUTE!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, I've never seen a month like this with a rumor like that that whittled away to disaster.
And I don't believe any of the info. I do not believe there aren't children in the orphanages who could be matched. I do not think it is an accident at all that China came in behind Guatemala. It was planned that way. They were monitoring EXACTLY how many babies came out.

redmaryjanes said...

We'll be there Kelly!

redmaryjanes said...

Good Morning Kristy! How are you all? Any Chinese New Year plans?

redmaryjanes said...

He is stunning isn't he Laura. Truly a gorgeous boy.

Kristy said...

Well if you count going grocery shopping and doing laundry!! lol

Actually this would be our 4th CNY celebration and to be quite honest I am tired of being there without our baby so we are going to pass this year. I don't mean to sound cynical but I am being honest.

Rhonda said...

I think we're going to end up with our referral at the beginning of 2012 at this rate. Every time I think we're getting closer, something like this happens and it gets pushed further and further away.

redmaryjanes said...

Can you go SN Rhonda?

Kristy said...

Rhonda what is your LID?

Special K said...

Good morning all!

redmaryjanes said...

Hey Karen,

How are you guys? Any CNY plans?

redmaryjanes said...

Eli says hi to Micah.

Rhonda said...

September 13 2006

From what I understand with our agency, if we switched to SN, we'd have to pull out and redo all our documentation. So we'd lose the LID we have and we'd get a new one for 2009.

Somehow, at this rate, I don't think that would speed anything up.

Also, being that we're in Ontario, we can't do two adoptions at once (ie., a domestic and international) or two internationals.

Special K said...

Micah says "Eli is my friend."

Special K said...

We are going to a Chinese New Year/Birthday party tomorrow night for his buddy Kai from http://ourbigcrazyfamilyofeight.blogspot.com/

redmaryjanes said...

Rhonda, I wouldn't switch either if those were our rules.

With our agency we can keep our file where it is and move to sn if we find a baby that we think would be a good fit for our family. So we have no risk.

Kristy said...

Good morning Special K!!!

Special K said...

Did I see you're going to Yen Ching? I'm so jealous.

Special K said...

Good morning Kristy!

redmaryjanes said...

Yes, there about 20 of us meeting at Yen Ching for dinner then we are going to a Chinese New Year celebrated at the Fine Arts Center. We are pretty excited. We're going with Kelly/Living My Dream, Kim/The Kenward Blog and another family I have never met.

redmaryjanes said...

Kristy,

Astrud is just so gorgeous! What a beautiful girl. What grade is she in?

Kim N Jeff said...

Good morning everyone! Just wanted to stop in and say hi.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Kim, how's Hunter this week?

Kristy said...

Thank you so much Kimberley, she is a sophomore. I know I have told you before but all of the men in your house are just so handsome!

redmaryjanes said...

So Rhonda, what are you guys dong this weekend? I read your RQ post and I think you are right.

Kim N Jeff said...

Hunter is doing great he is starting to wake up so not sure how much longer I'll be on the chat...

Hope you all have fun at your CNY celebrations tonight.

Kristy said...

Good morning Kim and Jeff! How are you today?

Lena Just Lena said...

Good morning, just popped in to say hi!

redmaryjanes said...

Thanks Kristy! As their Momma, I think my boys are handsome too :)

Rhonda said...

We're not up to too much. We're aren't doing anything for CNY. We're going over to my in-laws tomorrow night for a Robbie Burns evening instead.

As far as the RQ is concerned, I really wished she would go back to her 'sources' and find out what went wrong...and stop posting rumours by the really unreliable ones. It bothered me to no end that there was no 'accountability' for the rumours she posted. I know it's a rumour site, but she shouldn't post the ones that are utter b.s. I mean, what's stopping someone from approaching her and saying they heard the next batch is going to go into May? (Yes, I know I'm exaggerating).

redmaryjanes said...

Thanks Kim, I hope we have fun too.

redmaryjanes said...

Hi Lena,
How are your boys? How much longer until they can come home?

Special K said...

Sorry to chat and dash, but I'm having my hair done this morning. The roots are really out there!

Lena Just Lena said...

The boys are good. I am hoping to get to see them on skype this morning-although you never know if it will work on their end, and I'm brand new to it.....so I don't know what I am doing just yet. We'll see!

We've got a long ways to go. Making progress though-on the American side of things-movement this week, and an end in sight, for that part. Then, on to the long Haitian side.....anywhere from 18-36 months over there.

redmaryjanes said...

I know. I thought maybe this big one could fly since they were obviously holding back at the end of last year to come in under Guatemala for total number of adoptions.
I don't like all of the adds now and commercial the site has gotten.

redmaryjanes said...

Have fun Karen, I colored my hair yesterday.

redmaryjanes said...

Lena,
I heard Haiti adoptions were going really fast. Why is yours taking so long?

Kristy said...

Gotta run ladies, have a great weekend!!

Bless all of you, Kristy

Rhonda said...

Oh, I know, but she makes money off that. I almost wonder, but I'd hate to really think it, if she posts these wild rumours just to get more hits to her blog, and therefore, more revenue.

All her book ads are linked to her, so if anyone buys a book off the Amazon links, she makes something off it as well.

Kelley said...

Good morning! It's fun to "see" everyone this morning...although by the time I catch up, I've missed several friends who've signed off already. It's so much fun to read about everyone's CNY plans...

redmaryjanes said...

Kelley,
Your blog is so cute! You don't have one of those things on there for me to click to follow it.

redmaryjanes said...

Rhonda,
I think her heart was more into it before she received her last referral and then now I think she still cares, but revenue is a part of the equation too. All of the adds and book reviews. It's pretty obvious.

Kelley said...

Hmmm...what thing are you talking about? I'm assuming that it will work even with private blogs. I'll have to check it out!

redmaryjanes said...

Have fun Kristy!

redmaryjanes said...

We're talking about Rumor Q and the rumor of 23 days making it through this month and then there only being 2.

redmaryjanes said...

A lot of ladies were heartbroken this month.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,
Just wanted to pop in and say hi and share our good news. We finally found out our LID this week. - July 11/08. We have such a long wait.

Rhonda said...

Oh yeah, she's definitely not as into it as she used to be. Since there's nothing to report, she posts the book reviews, movie reviews, whatever...anything to generate income. Yet another reason why I took her off my bloglines. :)

I haven't checked in a few days and it's been great...

Rhonda said...

Congrats on your LID, I saw your post about it. :)

redmaryjanes said...

Hey , that is great! All the way back in July, that is good! You are at 7 months!

Lena Just Lena said...

Nothing in Haiti moves fast, so I'm not sure about that....18 months would be the optimistic side of things......the O keeps telling me 18-24 months. And I have 'met' people in blog land that took closer to 36.

So, not sure about that.....

redmaryjanes said...

I hope it speeds up for you Lena. Your boys are so cute. I got a camera so that I can skype. We'll have to skype sometime.

redmaryjanes said...

Hey Lena,
I just saw your post on the adoption process in Haiti. Very cool.
One of the men I work with and his wife are considering adopting from Haiti. I'm going to show it to him.

Kelley said...

I've learned over the past few years not to put too much stock into the early rumors. Still, I've been looking and looking for a speed up, and every month it seems like it's never going to happen. I keep telling myself that surely it will happen, or China would do something (besides the new restrictions) to reduce their number of new dossiers. I just don't see how they can keep taking people when they are only on 2006 still. It's really ridiculous--and heartbreaking.

Kelley said...

Lena, it's nice to "meet" you. I hope that you don't have to wait too long!

Rhonda said...

If you look at it realistically, and they don't do anything to curtail the number of dossiers, then whenever we get our referral (optimistically 2012 for a September 13 2006 LID), they would STILL be on 2006 referrals. That's just wrong.

redmaryjanes said...

My SW said that she has just signed up 2 new families for the China program. She was honest with them 3-5 year wait and they still signed up. So it seems that China is still taking Dossiers.
I think they need to open the floodgates and free up the backlog, then they can dwindle down if they truly want fewer kids leaving.
I think that many families have pulled out and that they are hoping more will.
I guess we'll just have to see.

Anonymous said...

I agree. China needs to do something about the backlog. We are expecting our referral about the same time as I get my old age pension.

Kelley said...

I still can't wrap my brain around 2012 as being optimistic for a Sept 2006 LID. My LID is 2008. I'm going to be too old to pick Holly up. I can't imagine pulling out, either. It's a true test of faith for me, I'll tell you. I just have to know that God will handle this...but it's hard not to know what's going to happen.

Lena Just Lena said...

Thanks!

redmaryjanes said...

Lena,

Does Haiti have any big cultural celebrations?

Lena Just Lena said...

I have not used skype before, am trying to figure it out!

Lena Just Lena said...

Carnival is in Feb, and I've heard that the New Year celebration is big...bigger than Christmas. I read that on a blog....but haven't looked into it yet.

redmaryjanes said...

Tim jokes about it. He says he'll be in a wheelchair at Sophia's high school graduation.
I have heard a rumor that I think is reliable that China is moving to SN only and will be making less and less non SN babies paper ready. And I think that is what is happening here.
Tons of people are flocking to the SN lists because of the wait and we are seeing smaller and smaller non SN batches being referred.

Rhonda said...

Anyways, I'm off...I think I did enough RQ trouncing for one day. ;)

Have a good day everyone.

redmaryjanes said...

I haven't used it Skype yet either. My husband bought me a camera for Christmas. He said we should all video in for the Sat Chat, but sometimes there are a ton of people on here.

redmaryjanes said...

Have a great week Rhonda...hang in there.

Kelley said...

Ah, I've seen the video discussion before. (Ha!) I'm sitting here in my pajamas looking quite frightful. Saturdays are fun to just lounge around...especially when on weekdays we have to be up and dressed by 6:30. I feel lazy!

OH MY #6 said...

Hi Kimbereley,

I think I may have missed you this moring. Oh dear, I have been lazy today.

Have a great weekend. It is cold up here again today. We had nice warm temperatures yesterday. It was just a teast.

Lea
xo

redmaryjanes said...

Hi there Lea,
We're close to 30 here which is a lot better than last week.
How have you been?

k1 said...

Skype won't aloow conference video. Audio, yes, but no video. Mav and I tried it with friends from Texas.

Good morning all.

redmaryjanes said...

I hear you Kelley! I have my pajamas on and hot pink fluffy robe...we won't even talk about my hair :)

redmaryjanes said...

Hey there Karen, how are you girl!?

k1 said...

I'm still laying in bed.

Gonna go meet April, Patrick, and Eliana at Children's Hospital this morning. Am waiting for her call. She was in recovery when I was going to go up yesterday.

redmaryjanes said...

Oh Karen, that is wonderful. I am glad you are able to go. Please tell them Eliana is in our prayers.

k1 said...

I will do that. Right now I am being lazy.

redmaryjanes said...

Yeah, I'm just hanging out at the computer. I've made some breakfast. Tim took his car in to get his oil change.
It's pretty mellow.
We're hanging out with your sister tonight.

k1 said...

What ever happened with the 'wisher'? Did she explain anything?

Truly Blessed said...

Hey Karen, you're here!

Please say hi to April, Patrick & Elaina for us. I certainly pray E is doing well and recuperation is smooth and quick for her.

Kelley said...

It's been great to stop by...had been a long time! I hope that you all have a great day, and a fun time tonight at your CNY festivities Kimberley! Take care!

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